Novel roll-to-roll lift-off patterned active-matrix display on flexible polymer substrate

A novel electrode patterning technique by using lift-off a sacrificial black ink layer on thin polymer substrate was performed on a roll-to-roll (reel-to-reel, R2R) printing system. An active-matrix display array was demonstrated by this technique with 2000 mu m display pixels with concept of MEMS (micro electro mechanical system) etalon. The resolution of this flexography lift-off system was improved to 100 mu m for pattern isolation from gravure printing. Compare to well-developed hot embossing or laser ablation for polymer substrate's patterning, R2R lift-off provides a flat and smooth surface which is a must for multilayer stacking and reliability. This system also provides a high pattern integrity, low cost, large scale, and high throughput solution for electrode patterning on flexible polymer substrate. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.